At 48, Pennsville woman with cerebral palsy proudly casts her first ballot

Nancy Lesny, left, helps her sister Christine Russell, center, fill out a ballot at the Salem County Clerks Office in Salem on Friday, October 19, 2012. Also pictured, her mother, Bonnie Layton. right, and her neice Elizabeth Lesny. Michael Williams/South Jersey Times

SALEM — While the right to vote is something many citizens often take for granted, for Christine Russell casting her ballot holds a very special meaning.

Russell, 48, is diagnosed with cerebral palsy. And until recently, her physical disability kept her from ever registering to vote.

According to her sister, Nancy Lesny, Russell has fought hard to overcome the challenges that come with cerebral palsy. She currently lives in her own apartment in Pennsville Towers, and by working with New Jersey Partners in Policy Making, she has been working as an advocate for improving rights for people with disabilities.

“Chrissy has beaten all the odds. She’s very independent and intelligent. The worse thing you can tell her is the word ‘can’t,’” said Lesny.

But when it came to voting, Lesny said no one ever took the time to explain that it was possible.

“I didn’t know if she’d be able because she can’t sign her name or fill out the ballot on her own,” said Lesny. “No one ever explained that she can have someone assist her.”

That all changed about two months ago when Russell and her family made contact with Salem County Elections Clerk Josie Catalano. After just a few easy phone calls, Catalano helped to register Russell to vote, and arranged for her to come into the clerk’s office — located in the county courthouse on Market Street in Salem — on Friday.

With the help of Lesny, her mother Bonnie Layton, and niece Elizabeth Lesny, Russell was able to fill out her ballot at the clerk’s office and submit it directly to the board of elections — allowing her to vote for the first time in her life.

“The family shared with me that (Russell) had tears in her eyes when she received her voter registration in the mail,” said Catalano. “For me to be a part of that was such a special thing. This is what completes my job, when I can help someone in that situation vote.”

Russell now hopes that she can help inspire other people with disabilities to exercise their right to vote.

“I definitely think this can inspire others,” said Layton. “There are hundreds of people in similar situations who feel like they can’t vote because of a disability. If they see what Chrissy went through, maybe they’ll see that it’s possible.”

Lesny added, “All it took was a few phone calls and someone like Josie Catalano. It was so simple...I definitely think this can be a catalyst to help and inspire others.”